Pilgrimage Destinations in Kolkata
Nakhoda Mosque
You can spot the brightly-painted onion dome of the Nakhoda Mosque as you travel down Chitpur Road. Modeled on Akbar's tomb in Sikandra, this is the biggest mosque in Calcutta. It can hold up to 10,000 devotees at a time. Made of red sandstone, the mosque has two minarets. Timings: 5 am-noon, daily
Parasnath Jain Temple
A mélange of mirrors, stones and mosaic greet the traveller who steps into the Parasnath Jain Temple. Set in the busy Shyambazar area, the temple is nearly 150 years old and is dedicated to Sital Nath, the 10th of the 24 Jain Tirthankars or prophets. Timings: 6 am-11.30 am, 3 pm-7 pm, Daily
St Paul's Cathedral
Stained glass windows, Florentine frescoes, carved wooden pews and chairs -
the St Paul's Cathedral is an architectural delight and balm for the soul. The
Gothic-style monument provides a foil to the bustling city around it and is
the largest cathedral in Kolkata. Timings: 9 am-noon, 3 pm-6 pm, daily
Belur Math
Set on the banks of the river Hooghly, as the Ganges is known here, the Math and Ramakrishna Temple was built in 1899. You can take a bus or taxi from the Howrah station to this place. The Belur Math stands testimony to the various architectural styles of Indian religions. Don't miss the evening ritual here which culminates is a grand, soul-stirring arati. Timings: 6.30 am-11 am, 3.30 pm-7 pm, Daily
Dakshineswar Temple
The temple is located across the river from Belur Math. The central shrine in the temple complex is dedicated to the goddess Kali. Twelve temples of Lord Shiva form the remainder of the complex. Both Belur Math and Dakshineshwar are a good drive away from Calcutta, and great places to soak in the spiritual heritage of Bengal. Timings: 6.30 am-noon, 3.30 pm-9 pm, Daily
Kalighat Kali Temple
Bright hibiscus and marigold set against borders of green, bells that clang
through the day, a perennially drenched courtyard, the pervading fragrance of
camphor, lamp oil and incense - the Kali temple at Kalighat is one place where
you can drink in the sights, smells and sounds of Shakti worship. Legend has
it that this temple was built on the spot where the finger of Parvati, consort
of Lord Shiva, fell. Timings: 5 am-3 pm, 5 pm-10 pm, Daily
Birla Temple
Built on one side of a busy road, the Birla Temple is a relatively new addition to the religious landscape of Calcutta. The architecture of the temple draws mainly from the beautiful places of worship in neighboring Orissa. It might not have the historical feel of some of Kolkata's older temples, but this temple in Ballygunge is a visual delight.
Armenian Church
This church, said to be the oldest in Calcutta, is set in the heart of Armenian Street. It was built in 1764. Assembly is held only thrice a week here. In front of the main building of the church is a tomb ostensibly belonging to "Reza Bibi". This tomb has been the source of much speculation and controversy, giving, as it does, a pointer to the origins of the church.
Maghen David Synagogue
The Maghen David Synagogue on Jewish Synagogue Street is also among the
oldest houses of worship in Kolkata. Built by Elias David Joseph Ezra, as a
tribute to his father, the synagogue was opened to the public in 1884. The
tower of the synagogue offers a splendid view of the city.
Pilgrimage spots around Kolkata
Antpur
For a glimpse of 18th century temples, visit Antpur in Hooghly district. Built by zamindar Krishnaram Mitra, the temples include ones dedicated to Jaleshwar, Baneshwar, Fuleshwar and Gangadhar. The main draw here is the Radha Govind temple with its covered courtyard and terracotta panels.
How to get there: Buses are available from Calcutta
Bansberia
On the temple trail, catch the shrines dedicated to Ananta Vasudev and Hanseshwari in Bansberia. The Hanseshwari temple deserves special mention for its architecture - it has 13 lotus bud-shaped minars and its inner precincts follow the design of the human anatomy.
How to get there: Buses and trains are available from Calcutta
Mayapur
Home to the centre of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), Mayapur is the birthplace of Lord Chaitanya. Religious fervor is very much part of the air of this tin y town seeped in a devotional tradition based on the Bhagavad Geeta and the Srimad Bhagavatam. The breathtaking main temple at Mayapur has beautiful idols of Krishna and Radha, as well as smaller statues of gopis.
How to get there: Trains are available from Calcutta
Kamarpukur
The birthplace of Sri Ramakrishna, Kamarpukur is a tiny village that's a favorite among tourists on a pilgrimage. Ideal for a one-day trip, the village houses the beautiful Ramakrishna Temple. Much of the rural nature of the village has still been preserved though, and if you want a taste of ponds, old-style temples and verdant fields, Kamarpukur is a good place to head out for.
How to get there: Accessible by road from Calcutta
Tarakeswar
A prominent pilgrimage spot in West Bengal, Tarakeshwar has one of the most famous Shiva temples in the country. The temple dates back to the 18th century. To get a real feel of the religious fervor associated with this place, visit Tarakeshwar during Shivratri.
How to get there: Accessible by road from Calcutta
Bishnupur
Undoubtedly the temple town of Bengal, Bishnupur is home to scores of brick temples. The architecture of the temples is devoid of grandeur, and is touching and breathtaking in its simplicity. Bishnupur is also famous for having spawned the Vishnupur Gharana of music.
How to get there: Take the train from Howrah